Ethoxyquin use in animal feed suspended

Feed producers can still use existing stocks of ethoxyquin during the transitional period of a further three months. By the end of 2017, the second step of this regulation* will enter into force, and all companies involved in animal feed nutrition will have to discontinue the use of this long-standing antioxidant ingredient.

Although the transition period may seem somewhat protracted from the official announcement of the EU commission’s directive; the replacement of ethoxyquin has required a concerted and intensive effort. Antioxidants are used to stabilise a wide variety of heterogenous compounds, ranging from pure lipids, vitamins and other micronutrients sensitive to oxidation, to nucleus or complete feeds. Furthermore, the different production processes influencing oxidative stability, for example heat treatment, pro-oxidant raw material use etc, increases the number of variables to be taken into consideration.

Cost-effective alternative solutions

Overall however the end-users of antioxidants may gain additional benefits implementing projects in partnership with competent and experienced companies. The choice for the correct partner can guide companies to the quickest and most cost-effective alternative solution to replace pure ethoxyquin or ethoxyquin based antioxidants. In order to make this transition period smooth and effective Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health welcomes the opportunity to help premix and feed manufacturers facing this challenge by working alongside them through from planning to the implementation of each tailor-made project.

Kemin has an unrivalled experience in the oxidative stabilisation of feed ingredients borne out of a thorough knowledge of the science behind antioxidant formulation which was built up over the last 50+ years. Some examples of this knowledge include Kemin’s patent for an ethoxyquin-free antioxidant formulation technology. This is a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to anticipating trends and innovating valuable solutions for the global feed industry. This novel antioxidant formulation technology is at the base of our Paradigmox, ethoxyquin-free formulations that have been available to animal feed markets for several years. Paradigmox solutions provide equal efficacy compared to ethoxyquin in both lipids and feed applications.

Trial results

This was demonstrated by a trial in which Paradigmox White liquid prevented vegetable oil oxidation, with similar application rates to that of ethoxyquin. It showed a clear dose response effect, resulting in a valuable and practical solution to protect/extend the shelf life of oils, dependant on individual customer requirements (Figure 1).

Kemin’s antioxidant R&D process continues today with a constant commitment to test new and innovative solutions for emerging needs. Some examples of this include – the recent ban of certain gallates with antioxidant activities in fish feeds, also the increased use of more cost-effective feedstuffs such as acid oils as a source of energy in monogastric feeds, as well as the use of different protein sources to replace the traditional levels of fish meal in fish feeds.

Anticipating future scenarios

Kemin expects this trend to continue in the future, which is why their R&D team are continually testing new possible ingredients with potential antioxidative properties. This is carried out with two key aims – firstly to look for more effective solutions compared to the existing ones, and secondly to anticipate possible future scenarios. This Kemin strategy will assist with the unforeseen circumstances such as ingredient shortages or bans, and help satisfy an entirely new market requirement.

One of Kemin’s aims is to help nutritionists to use fat sources profitably while preserving their quality through a coordinated team effort. This process may include the Kemin’s PAD (Product Application Department) team constantly looking for the best way of applying our products in each specific customer situation, or the CLS (Customer Laboratory Service) team who are always at the customer’s disposal to identify specific needs, and when required lead them to the correct and most cost-effective solution.